A LATE equaliser denied Colchester United's under-18s a first victory of the season, at Florence Park.

They had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Leeds United, in their latest Professional Development League Two match.

Leeds goalkeeper Matthew Turner was called into action just before the midway point of the first half, blocking Al-Amin Kazeem's effort after he had linked well with Stagg down the left.

And Colchester went close again soon after when Stagg stabbed a shot just wide at the near post, following Diogo Freitas-Gouveia's impressive run down the right.

Billy Cracknell made a good block to deny Jack Jenkins in the area and Charlie Cresswell also headed wide for the visitors, as both sides pushed for an opener.

U's goalkeeper made a good save down low to his right to deny Joe Stanley, before Colchester went ahead in first-half stoppage-time.

After Jenkins caught Freitas-Gouveia in the area Colchester were awarded a penalty and Jake Hutchinson converted the resultant spot-kick, low to the keeper's left.

There were more good early home signs after the interval with Marley Marshall-Miranda just unable to reach Harvey Sayer's great corner at the back post.

Leeds upped the tempo after that but the U's continued to carve out chances, with Sam Cornish shooting wide of the right-hand post after the opportunity had passed Hutchinson by.

Sayer's curled left-foot effort flew just over and Freitas-Gouveia also fired over while at the other end, Henri Kumwenda's fierce left-foot strike was beaten away by home keeper Hallett.

But Leeds equalised with three minutes to go through Cole Gibbon, who converted from close range in a crowded goalmouth after the ball had been delivered into the area.

Leeds substitute Jimiel Chikukwa sent an effort wide of the far post and Colchester almost won it at the death when Namory Kane came agonisingly close to converting Cracknell's delivery but it ended all square.

U's under-18: Hallett, Sayer, Cracknell, Kane, Kazeem, Freitas-Gouveia (sub Parish, 84), Cornish, Marshall-Miranda, Thomas, Stagg, Hutchinson.

Subs (not used): trialist, Redfearn, Kennedy, Collins.